B(if)tek invite YOU to their Techno-theme Park!
B(if)tek (Nicole Skeltys, Kate Crawford and their machine menangerie) have released their first CD after 12 months of (acid)uously developing a distinctive repertoire of smooth electronica. Some readers will have sampled the delights of B(if)tek's techno-muzak at clubs around Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. They also mesmerised the masses on national radio last November on a Triple J 'Mix-up' program.

Sub-vocal Theme Park is the title of their debut: a darkly danceable sonic landscape with something for all the (geek) family - ranging from the austere alien muzak of 'Les Galaxies' and the acidic oddity of 'Little Something' to the tongue in cheek funky breakbeats of 'Cosmic Love'. Why Subvocal Theme Park? Kate intimates that this phrase is the product-name of their special brand of insanity. "While exploring this album we hope you will be intrigued, disturbed and compelled to groove around your loungeroom. And at least one ride is guaranteed to make you sick. I could tell you that the name symbolises the funpark in your subconscious, but then you'd suspect we are over-educated arty types who probably worship Godard films. And you'd be right."

Nicole elaborates. "Our approach to techno is a bit like that of 19th century curio collectors - we'll roam around to find the aural equivalents of stuffed siberian stoats and pickled squirrel brains but we'll carefully pin them together in dancey, satin lined grooves. The overall effect is a nice smooth mass appeal kind of sound. But if you listen closely to the tracks, in the right frame of mind, you realise the sensibility behind them is pretty damned warped."

B(if)tek's influences shed some light on their eclectic but distinctive brand of electronica: they cite movie soundtracks, muzak, Mowax, Basic Channel, Plastikman and Shaolin Wooden Men to name a few. Nicole and Kate are members of Clan Analogue - Australia's unique electronic arts collective - which has provided a supportive environment in which to develop the B(if)tek sound.

Prior to B(if)tek, Nicole programmed for a techno-cross over band, AREA 51, some of whose tracks appear on Clan Analogue's COG double CD released last year. Kate was experimenting with pre-historic synthesis, and excavating the parameters of her obscure 1970's synths to create warped soundtracks for her films.B(if)tek are conscious that they are one of the very few women actively writing and performing techno in Australia. But they are understandably wary of being branded a 'girl act', as their major concern is to get recognition for the quality of their music.

"Its perplexing", explains Nicole."On the one hand, underground techno and acid sounds are almost totally 'unauthored' and disposable. It is music that doesn't draw your attention to some dork with a microphone, 'an attitude' and haircut. So this depersonalised element means (theoretically) women can avoid having to conform to any of the sexist stereotyping you find in the rock and roll or mainstream techno industry. But then you're faced with this hard reality that virtually all the writing, mixing, and producing of techno is done by boys. And you'd be a pretty vacuous little bunny to say, that's not of concern, that there's not something very worrying about that."

Kate agrees. "Moreover, we have bypassed the usual institutions that release conform-along-with-us music. By conspiring with geekgirl we can create an independently financed, promoted and webbed product that escapes the regulations on subliminal message hypnosis!" Kate winks evilly at this point, and encourages you to
buy the CD....buy the CD....buy the CD....

If you'd like more information about b(if)tek or you'd like to order the CD via GG distribution, just visit our site or should i say, theme park